Doing the Funky Kitchen

Part of my down size from a Victorian family house to a small 1930’s apartment meant that I had to trade in my large kitchen, breakfast room which opened out to a sunny garden for a tiny kitchen which opens onto a fire escape. Gone was the large fridge freezer, dish washer and long banks of worktops. Gone too was the endless feeding of small children, having grown now up and living more independently. My initial anxiety of wondering how we would cope with a small fridge, no dish washer and little space was replaced by embracing the local community extensive choice of food shops, cafe’s and restaurants. The down size was also about buying less food. , reducing waste. I acknowledged that my needs from a kitchen had now changed, what did I need and want? I decided to create something fun. Once again considering the nature of the apartment block which was built for the bright young things of the 1930’s to enjoy this new lifestyle, isn’t this what I was doing? My mind went towards cocktails and tapas.

I found this glass light fitting at ID furniture and lighting in Crystal Palace, south-east London. This area is great for a weekend mooch. Lots of mid-century retailers here along with the enough little cafe’sconsider any purchases over coffee and cake. Refreshingly this is not a hipster destination, it’s a much more discerning crowd, genuine interest in collecting and enjoying the environment.

Back to the kitchen design. Rather than have a central light fitting I had this hung over a work top. It instantly makes the kitchen feel less functional and more sensual. I have a lot of down lights under the wall cabinets which provides much-needed brighter light for cooking when we need it.

The color scheme is 70’s inspired. Lots of time was spent looking at shades of brown and yellow and lots of frowning from people who thought painting a small room in a dark color was mad. That said there is as much white from the units to balance this. The room doesn’t feel cramped even though its small. The sun pours through the windows late afternoon therefore the Venetian blinds create much-needed shade without compromising on the light. In the evening when the blinds are closed the mustard yellow creates warmth.

Cute ceramic finds, Lord Nelson salt, pepper and mustard set, found again in Crystal Palace at Crystal Palace Antiques. This is a treasure trove which houses a mix of antiques over several wonky floors in an old warehouse. Mid century finds are all in the basement. I came across what I thought were matching espresso cups at Mid Century Modern, Dulwich College, south-east London. However this set is by Villeroy and Boch, design Acapulco, both made in the 1960’s both very similar. Purchased from Haji&White, I have a few pieces from them, they are always worth checking out and seeing what they have.